A cruise ship carrying primarily passengers from the UK and Ireland has had its French lockdown order lifted after a norovirus outbreak caused dozens of illnesses onboard. The vessel, Ambition, was prevented from disembarking its 1,701 occupants for over 24 hours after docking in Bordeaux on Tuesday.
Lockdown Details
Local authorities permitted asymptomatic individuals to leave the ship from Wednesday afternoon, while those infected with the vomiting virus were instructed to remain in isolation onboard. Norovirus is a highly contagious form of gastroenteritis, causing symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea.
The deceased was identified as a 92-year-old British man, whose death was attributed to a heart attack. Health authorities stated that his passing appeared to be unrelated to the norovirus outbreak.
Passenger and Crew Impact
Essex-based operator Ambassador Cruise Line confirmed on Wednesday that 48 passengers and one crew member had active cases of gastrointestinal illness. The ship carried a total of 1,187 passengers and 514 crew members. Samples from those who were ill were tested at a local hospital in Bordeaux.
One passenger, Seos Guilidhe, 52, from Belfast, told news agency AFP that he was playing bingo during the lockdown and that it is not as bad as it was during Covid. He added that people were going about as normal.
Voyage Itinerary
The ship set sail from Belfast on May 8 and called at Liverpool a day later, for a 14-night voyage to France and Spain. Cases of gastroenteritis rose following the embarkation of passengers in Liverpool.
Company Response
Ambassador Cruise Line issued a statement reassuring guests that they take any illnesses aboard their fleet extremely seriously. Enhanced sanitation and prevention protocols were immediately implemented across the ship in line with established public health procedures following the initial reports of illness.
The comprehensive health and safety measures introduced include increased cleaning and disinfection measures in public areas, assisted service in selected dining venues, and ongoing guidance to guests regarding hand hygiene, including regular hand washing, use of hand sanitisers, and the prompt reporting of any symptoms to the onboard medical team.
A spokesman for the cruise line confirmed there was no link with the outbreak of hantavirus on the MV Hondius cruise ship.
